A Brief History Of The Mesa Boogie Rectifiers (1992-1999)

[@TaylorDanley]

Fun fact. In 1999 I recorded my first album with my band. We had a new (probably a rev G) triple rectifier and wanted that tone. The engineer insisted on using his new “pod” (1st generation bean) 😑 We were like 16/17 at the time so we assumed he just knew what he was doing…

[@doc_matter]

Haha 😄 awesome story!

[@downcode]

Geeez dude... Do you have that recording by any chance :D ?

[@TaylorDanley]

@@downcode ironically no. It’s ironic because this was maybe a year before cds really dropped off in a big way and we had like 5000 cds printed 🤣 I’m sure they are in someone’s basement somewhere…

[@Arthemesia]

Fluff: Revision E, for me, falls between D and F. Me: Yes that is how the alphabet works XD

[@scottbrown9008]

😂🤣😆

[@Arthemesia]

@@scottbrown9008 In all fairness. He stepped right in to that one lol

[@brandonanderson2066]

There's a D# model.

[@brugvp]

Fluff would be great if you mada a rectifier shootout. I know you have already compared some of those, but I would love to hear the difference between all of them in a single video, trought the same cabs and conditions (including the 3 channel versions). Something like the "ultimate rectifier reference guide" :) Love your channel man! cheers!

[@Crescent_Audio]

Thank you for making this one, it’s like an episode of Five Watt World, and this is my favorite “gear” era. I also am infatuated with bands that played rectifiers during this time period, especially Sublime and 311.

[@brendanlucero8585]

As someone who used to own a Single Recto 50 watt. I highly and humbly recommend looking into Fryette amplifiers. Specifically the Pittbull series if you're into high gain amps. To me, they sound so much better and fuller then Mesa's. They use to be known as VHT but changed their name.

[@brandonproctor3639]

Absolutely! Awesome sounding amps!

[@SluggerStark]

Funny little story: I bought my first "real" amp, a rev G dual rec in late 1999. It was THE amp to have at the time for punk and metal. It was different from my expectations: fairly loose and tough to eq right. I ended up boosting the front end and throwing an eq in the loop like a lot of guys do now. In 2003 I picked up a late 90's VHT Pittbull UL and it was the sound in my head I was hearing for rythm playing.

[@brendanlucero8585]

@@jsullivan2112Never had a chance to play a Soldano, but I've heard they're sweet!

[@brendanlucero8585]

@@jsullivan2112 I remember seeing that the singer for Silverchair used one and i remember his tone was sick! it was beefy but it had a certain growl to it that imo, sounds better then a Rectifier. I'll have to check em out if i ever see one in a store. As of right now I'm using a Fryette Pittbull and i absolutely love it.

[@brendanlucero8585]

@@jsullivan2112 I remember hearing great things about the Mark series. Are they super flexible like I've heard so much about? Well im pretty sure Fryette is still manufacturing Deliverances but don't quote me on that. I've seen Pittbulls on sale on Reverb but I'm not sure if they're making em. I do however know that they are in the prototyping stages of a re-release of the Pittbull. I know this because Steve Fryette confirmed this in a Bi-weekly podcast they do here on KZbin called The Malcontents. It's a great show where he and co-host Joe Gamble talk about everything from music, gear, tone and general life stuff that they veer off into. I had no idea but Steve Fryette has worked with guys like Soldano, Randall Smith from Mesa and i believe the dude who made/owns Rivera. also Friedman as well. i think you'd dig it.

[@roymartin500]

In 04 I bought a new 04 Single Rectifier Solo Head series 2 50 watt head & 04 Recto 2x12 cab. I've never needed anything more or less & it's still the only amp I need beside a 72' Fender Champ Silverface with a Seymour Duncan Twin Tube Mayhem driving it for practice and a different flavor. Thanks for the video!

[@Kizamime]

Cool video! I'd love to see ones of these about the 5150 series

[@fraenkiboii]

I've never tried a dual recto before. I'm currently working on an Adam Jones patch for the Quad Cortex. So I'm usually drawn to Diezel VH4 + something Marshally. However, neither the Marshalls, nor the F-Man BEs sound as good as I'd hoped. So the other day I thought to myself "Didn't Fluff say that Adam also used rectos in the Studio for the recording ot Aenima?". So I tried the combo Diezel + Recto. Oh. My. Lord. The amount of bass the recto produces will shave your face and probably more. That amp sounds SO good. Well, at least the QC-sim thereof. So thanks for leading me in that direction.

[@groovefretboard]

Great summary of the evolution of the series. highly influential in the metal / grunge era. As a follow up you might wanna add examples of each series if possible to hear some of it. Just curious to see the subtle differences.

[@donseibert4847]

I have a Road King II and would like to learn more about it. Are you going to do a guide or add to the current guide since it is a dual rectifier. thx.

[@snakefinger]

I love your attention to detail dude.

[@dminach]

This is one of the best videos EVER! Thanks man, STAY METAL 🤘

[@tommilitello198]

The rectifier lynch had with the mudfl girl would be the triple x by peavy it looks,and I heard that that was supposed to be a lynch signature amp,interesting

[@abitoutofsorts]

I’ve got a roadster and love it

[@ExposureArrest]

Hey Fluff, thanks for all the awesome rectifier info! A little curious on your thoughts about the mini rectifier, I haven't seen you cover it anywhere that I could find. Let me know what you think!

[@djabthrash]

Great video

[@christophertaylor5403]

Hey fluff which revision do you think is the best sounding if someone can only buy one ?

[@snapascrew]

Good morning!!!!

[@wakjob961]

Thanks Fluff.

[@madmikemike]

Ya growing up in the Tacoma area around the mid 90’s going to shows you could almost guarantee to see a dual or triple rec. I was able to get a brand new 3 channel dua rec, but I always longed for a 2 channel. Especially the rev E, for the look at least. Cheers fluff

[@ryanhinch959]

I own a rev E and a rev G. I have to say although the G is more of a classic Mesa Boogie sound, I’ve found that dialing in a tone that sounds appealing to my ears is easier on the E. The Rev E is my favorite Mesa amp in my collection. I prefer it over any of the modern amps, I think its because it’s just more unique and boosted it sounds like nothing else

[@Andybaby]

Awesome video, thank you. PS what microphone are you using? Your voice sounds terrific with that set up

[@MCL502]

Can confirm that R-0642 is a Rev F.

[@TheChadPad]

Are you going to do a demo of these? I think it would be really cool to see how the sound changed over time

[@maximumguitarage]

Did you cover the Trem-O-Verb?

[@damonwolf7222]

Interesting. Guess I had a Revision F then. Serial Number 1,000 something or another. Chrome Chassis with Black Treadplate. It definitely had less of a scooped sound and more of a low midrange punch exactly as you said. I always described it as sounding a bit "hashy" but also more just nasty and aggressive than the later ones I've heard. I honestly still preferred my Single Rec Series II over my Dual Rec Revision F though. I also always preferred EL34s in Dual Recs and 6L6s in Single Recs. I've still yet to try any of the newer Multi-Watt models though.

[@maxoxenham]

Hey Fluff! Do you know much about the single and mini rectos? If so, how would each compare to some of the dual or triple rec models? I Own both but have never tried their bigger brothers.

[@CAM99]

Now, how do the new models compare? Have Mesa continued to make revisions since 1994?

[@zoocru67]

I've got S50- 1755.. so I guess I am right in the meat of the f series.. maybe I can get some help here on how to hook up the foot switch I'm not sure where I'm supposed to insert the jack.

[@blankmelon]

The site says (so does Mesa’s) that the Rev G production stopped around Feb 2000. I have a Rev G Racktifier with a chassis date of 11/00 and serial number in the high 15000s. So i’m wondering how that happened. And how many more Racktifiers could have even been made after mine, since it’s 9mo after production on Rev G’s we’re stopped.. hmm

[@Shredxcam22]

Who has a list of tone x models for each?

[@ЖоржТокарев]

Wow, THAT is a GREAT research, Thank you Fluff! BTW, What do you thin about Trem-o-Verb 100watt combo with Serial Loop? Just looking on one around me and thinking about this thing. Serial number around 23xx

[@betelgeuse8547]

dude you gotta take pics of that one especially the serial number, i think i see it online some russian website and i wish i could buy it, its the big logo combo correct?

[@betelgeuse8547]

i don't know bro i got 2 tremoverbs both dated 9/93 or maybe ones earlier and serial 25xx and 27xx so does that make them rev f tremoverbs?

[@whatsupbra43]

Fluff do you know any vintage fender amp collectors? I have a 1964 fender blackface super reverb. Was wondering if you knew anyone that was looking for one let me know thanks sir. I have no clue on where to start with this thing but it’s vintage.

[@padencarter560]

More history videos pls pls

[@jasonclark131]

awesome! except I have a 3 channel triple and a 4 channel dual roadking...

[@d1l4te43]

This is a video for real people of culture

[@Ottophil]

Is this 105 watt world?

[@rdanalytics9197]

Rectifier? Damn near killed'em...

[@Seducier]

Why did they like the F for metal?

[@michel333100]

I know there are a lot guys that ate heavy metal music fans and guitarists that love these amps. Ok, I get it. They gave that metal grinding sound to them, but if you watch the guitologist amp repair guy Brad and especially Lyle Caldwell from Psionic Audio both on KZbin, you will see where especially Lyle is death on Mesa Boogie amos in general. For example, the Mesa Tremoverb amp. This amp was a bad attempt by Mesa to rip off the Soldano SL100 circuit and was poorly executed. The effects loop in the amp is before the master volumes and also the reverb is not in the circuit correctly which Lyle Caldwell points out. He's even surprised that Soldano didn't sue the arse off of Randall Smith for ripping off his design. The main thing to understand about any Mesa amp is if anything goes south on these circuit boards, good luck getting it repaired. I have a Tremoverb from 1994 and it has been a nightmare to fix over and over continuously. OMG, the money I have spent on this boat anchor. Originally sent it to be modded by Voodoo Amps in New York was a mistake for sure and then even sent it back to Mesa and 5hey even shagged it up. So it plays now, but there's a lot if noise floor. Watch Lyle Xaldwell's 6 part videos on his complete rebuild of a Mesa Tremoverb amp. I have always known what a nightmare my amp was since I bought it but after watching Kyle point out all of the really bad mistakes Randall Smith made building and designing this amp which he really didn't even legitimately design because it's a copy of a SLO100 but done ass backwards. So what I am driving at is these amps tend to have a lot of inherent problems in their circuits and people in my opinion should go with a Friedman amp or a Shur amp. I think Mesa amps physically are rock solid built amps but the caveat is their circuit boards are a nightmare to repair. Now I have a Mesa cab and a Revolver rotating Leslie cab and they are excellent. But as far as their amps go, think twice before laying out huge bucks on these.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Has Gibson got to you..? Fluff! Blink thrice if you are kidnapped by Big G !!! 🤨

[@gbirdo4718]

Only if he didn’t tune to drop c

[@daveesco1]

rectumfire

[@diegosierracastro]

You forgot to mention hoy Mesa Boogie copied almost the entire preamp from the Soldano SLO100. Just saying

[@peehandshihtzu]

Rectum fryer!

[@RubyRoks]

I feel like "Grunge tuned" and "Nu Metal" tuned is an easy way to describe the change from revs C-F and rev G

[@jsullivan2112]

@@SlyHikari03 Deftones has always been Marshalls

[@Mafangoolio]

Wrong

[@Nicholas247066]

@@jsullivan2112 for a brief period they used Green Matamp and Orange, in fact Chino still uses Orange. Eventually Stef switched back to his Marshall JMP-1 rig

[@jsullivan2112]

@@Nicholas247066 Sorry I should’ve specified, I meant Stephen, you’re right about Chino.

[@SisterSandoz]

My favorite ever is the Tremoverb. I'm not sure why. Have tried dozens of 2 channel rev Gs and a couple rev F, and the Tremoverb to me is brilliant. It and my early 3 channel triple are my mainstays. Those 2 I will never sell.

[@coreyclark6505]

Interesting stuff. You should do the 3 Channel Rectos next. You could also tie in the history and drama with the SLO… and maybe even the 5150 since EVH was tied to both of those and honestly in the 90’s, all you heard were rectos until the 5150 came along.

[@lostinthemasses]

Is this the extended cut of the Five Watt World segment you did?

[@josephplatania5593]

Sublime sounded so sweet

[@jordancampbell9914]

Good to see that 5 watt world histories has inspired you for this!

[@weird_wild_world]

he's just interested in helping us make the most music, from the least gear

[@jonplaku8101]

You really need a podcast! I can listen to you talk for hours, your cadence and humour are relaxing.

[@jonplaku8101]

@@skyblazethereborn547 I didn’t realize he did, damn I missed it!

[@sonictemple2925]

I’ve had many Rectifiers and the only one I miss is my old Rev F rackmount. Best Rectifier I ever owned.

[@fretout]

@Fluff - Hey old buddy, just a quick update for you. I own possibly the very last Rev. D I’ve ever been able to verify…serial R-0517. Also, the Mark IIIs were produced until 1998. From around 1989 to 1998, The Mark IIIs were Green Stripes. The Mark III Blue Stripe shared Trannys with the early Rectos, but when the Green Stripe was introduced, the power section was switch to Pentode (instead of Triode, as all earlier Mark IIIs had), and this signaled the new Trannys across Mark and Recto “100 watters”! Keep making these Mesa videos!

[@ThedangdiggityKeough]

I just bought a rack mount Rev F Serial # 1377 with the markIII output transformer (562100), chrome chassis and black tread plate. It’s probably the lowest serial number rectifier I’ll ever be able to own and I am super grateful to own it. Definitely never ever letting it go. Dream amp acquired.

[@fireonhigh100]

has the head 73$ version! its going in the casket with me

[@madmod]

Single Rec Squad rise up

[@YMESYDT]

1991 - steal the preamp from Mike Soldano

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

What an epic heist 🚐💨👍

[@David.S.]

Yup, preamps are essentially identical. Confirmed by Mike Soldano and Dave Friedman. Just compare the schematics online, the 39k cathode resistor in the cold clipper was a Soldano trademark, and sure enough..Mesa copied that.

[@blikketty77]

Weird that they managed to still come up with something that sounded so different but was still a huge success.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

@@David.S. They're still totally different sounding amps. Also, didn't Friedman's company takeoff based on modded Marshalls in both sound and look?

[@David.S.]

​@@aaronperrotta7055 I didn't say that the 2 amps sounded the same, merely that Mesa copied the SLO preamp (which they did). There are multiple variables that affect the overall sound of an amplifier (speakers, iron, voltages, component type, etc.). Most new-age amps are based on classic circuits (e.g. the Bassman, Tweed Deluxe, etc.). It's one thing to modify components, but to copy an entire design is another.

[@eddysolis337]

According to Mesa, I have the very last serial number to the Tremoverb series. Extremely cool amp and one I’m proud to own. That’s one that will never leave the Arsenal

[@kostiantyn.onopriienko]

Hi Fluff, I'm the ex owner of 1328! I sold it couple of years ago, and I regret this decision every day. I wonder how it compares to your other Rev. F given that it's not in stock condition. I serviced it, and my technician remeasured every component and changed stuff that had big discrepancy from nominal value. I can send you the list of replaced elements. I've included original parts when I sold it, so it can be reverted to stock condition if needed.

[@selmics]

I hope one day you will find the time to continue the Rectifier timeline. Great video and website full of valuable information.

[@AngryOldMusic]

Which revision is your signature Mesa amp sim from ML soundlab?

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Rev F

[@thehosh666]

Have you ever compared a really early recto to the Yerasov Bulldozer? That amp is built after the Mesa Recto with the seriel number R-0001 that is owned by the music shop Music Store in Cologne, Germany. I would love to hear your thoughts about that amp!!! But I think the old version with the rectifier tubes would be a better one to compare than the new one withot that tubes.

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Oh man we all dreamed of rectifiers as kids back in the day, shit I feel old 😂

[@5150forevermore]

I have a Rev F and when you throw a Peper's Dirty Tree boost in front of it ...It becomes the Apex of all metal guitar tones imo.

[@RÅNÇIÐ]

When will we get a Quadruple Rectifier?

[@dantredogborsa7048]

Which version the Line 6 "Cali Rectifier" is based on?

[@fivewattworld]

Do tell!

[@michaelodria1986]

THANK YOU for making this extremely informative video, and setting the Mesa Boogie 2 channel Rectifier information straight.

[@shanedeel2]

No one person should know this much about amps lol

[@carlosalfaro1777]

Please make a demo of Ml Sound Amped Dual !

[@jessedelaney77]

We need to clearly acknowledge Mike Soldano as the guy who's really responsible for the preamp circuit of his SLO-100, which was then directly lifted for the Rectifier and 5150 preamp circuits...

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

And yet they all sound wildly different…. Hmm 🤔

[@jessedelaney77]

@@Starch1b2c3d4a True. The poweramp has a big impact on the tone. Line a SLO, Recto and 5150 up together, run from the FX Loop Send into a DAW with the same IR and there’ll be more similarities than differences.

[@NotAnotherSatchFan]

Looking at Solo 50W version I wonder if there are multiple versions. I saw in marketplace that has "50W HEAD" with black instead of chrome at the front... now as I search I can only find "SOLO HEAD (50)" with chrome. Are they different?

[@catwithacomputer4041]

Bought my rev G in ‘99 brand new and its output transformer is the 562181 which looks to be an early export one.

[@christianjimbomb8204]

Have you noticed the plate voltage changes ie. Power transformers are different..? I let splawn in on this important oversite on many one trick pony thinking amp builders.

[@jasonsapp792]

Fluff....any appreciation for the Single Rectifier/ Rectoverb line?

[@mattvdh]

shoot em' out brotendo

[@bassface5983]

Made its debut in feburary 92 and i made my debut into the world in January 92....its a sign from god that im meant to buy one....

[@DavidDurham-sn4yk]

That tones been overplayed, I like a nice tube clean compared to a rectified, the rectified tone reminds me of the 90's early 2000's.

[@EricShreds]

Bro if you did this with other iconic amps of metal. I will cry of joy. such a great vid

[@tgchan]

Thank you/

[@laloflip]

What about the Topo Chico fridge?

[@RH-xs8gz]

My friend has a Dual Rectumfryer

[@barnzbrown6234]

I have a single rec 50w, Serial 01163.

[@donsloan468]

Single Rec 50 here too, #4507. My favorite Rectifier.

[@ronnymilianowicz5228]

When using a patchcabel in the loop it is on 100% wet?

[@Edroz7]

I own Rev F RO643

[@mctwishvonnoodles9793]

4:15 humble brag Just kidding, I really like this video! I've been on and off with Rectos; first getting into guitar I always hated them, I thought they sounded like my brain was getting cooked by a microwave. But then I listened to The Link album by Gojira, and that changed my tune a little bit, same with whenever Metallica's used them. I've gotten so confused as to what revisions do what, but this video may inform me well enough to go shopping for one if I can try it out

[@merlinzest]

cool

[@BradDollar]

Appreciate the revision history lesson! Thanks for the video and channel!

[@jonasness]

Thanks for doing this video! Very informative and well done. I still have my mid-90's Mesa setup, which is the black-face Rackmount Dual Rectifier Rev G (12000 Serial) with a Mesa 4x12 Half-back cabinet in the RoadReady cabinetry. I put a new tube kit in the pre-amp section and put KT-77's in there, and so with the KT-77's, I have to run it in EL-34 mode. I use a BBE sonic maximizer in the loop and that's all I have ever needed. All of my bandmates throughout the years have scars from lugging that monster RoadReady cabinet around. Never selling. Cheers to all Recto fans.

[@TroyPosey]

Fluff, love the videos, long-time watcher. I'm an old guy like you, and I've been playing for nearly 30 years, as well... I finally got to a place financially recently, to be able to get my first Mesa, and I went with a new blacked-out custom shop Badlander 100, and put a Legendary Tones Mr. Scary Mod in it...And that thing is an absolute fire-breather! That said, yesterday I ended up making an offer on Reverb for an "R-0061xx" serial number, so as close as I can guess, it's a 1995 Rev G Dual Rec with a blacked-out (flat/matte black) front plate and large logo, chrome pointer knobs, and the attached power cord. Not sure if the faceplate was factory black, or if someone changed it, or painted it, but I am excited for it to show up, i'm hoping it will arrive later this week. My question being, did those early Rev G amps come with a completely blacked out faceplate option (tread plate and grill are both blacked out, but the top grill is still chrome w/ black trim around it), or was that most likely done by a previous owner? Also, if it is factory blackout, do those bring any extra value due to rarity, or is it simply a nice aesthetic? Thanks

[@goodgriefitssimon]

Recently, I found a really early Dual Rec Rev F in good working condition with Serial No: R-0681 at a Guitar Center in Pasadena at $1,400.00. Decent price for any run of the mill, early 2000’s used Dual Rec - but for a vintage early 90’s Rev F, a F’n steal (pun intended). Naturally I had to get my holy grail amp - and save it from the lame gear flippers trying to flip Rev F’s for $2K or $3K.

[@ericreyes3801]

I would love a longform video about this! Something that includes some testimonial from the people at Mesa and perhaps some specific changes made to the schematics along with the players who played each Rev :)

[@AncientSinsOfficial]

Fluff, a local shop has a Dual Rectifier Solo Head on sale used for $1650 before tax. Would you say that’s a good deal or too high?

[@idiotburns]

I never saw a band with Mesa sound amazing, a marshall band, fender band and VHT band, yeah

[@deepend69]

You've mentioned that you have heavily modified rectos. I would love to see a video about recto mods and if you favor them over the best stock rectos.

[@6slayer6sam62]

There's a single rec 50w at a local everything store for 850$ non negotiable...are they any good?

[@jasonsapp792]

Any updates to your knowledge of Rectifier's?

[@RiffsAndBeards]

The website is always being updated!

[@jrtme]

Excellent Job. The website is a great touch. Much more to the point.

[@SlyHikari03]

I wish they kept the cut low bass and boosted mids. I love the Rev D.

[@idiotburns]

I grew up playing shows out here in Seattle and saw alot of Laney and Soldano

[@Stahlengelmusic]

Thanks so mich for that video